Scout Grade

Derrick Malone News Feed

Coming into this season, the Oregon linebackers were expected to be one of the Ducks' biggest strengths, considering their depth and experience. On a defense that's looking for players to step into prominent roles, the linebackers return three of four starters while also boasting an impressive two-deep.

You remember the three-headed monster, right? It's about returning production that will scare -- terrify! --opponents. Or not. On offense, it's elite combinations at quarterback, running back and receiver.

We continue our team-by-team review of the Pac-12 with Oregon. Offense: Things were going pretty well there, for a while. The Ducks stormed out of the gates and scored at least 50 points in their first five games and in six of their first seven.

SAN ANTONIO -- No. 10 Oregon beats Texas 30-7 in the Valero Alamo Bowl. A few thoughts on the game: It was over when: Oregon safety Derrick Malone picked off a Case McCoy pass over the middle midway through the fourth quarter, then went 39 yards for the score.

Oregon is terrible on fourth down. The Ducks have converted on just seven of 18 fourth-down plays this year. Their 38.9 conversion rate ranks 10th in the Pac-12, behind struggling teams like Colorado and California.

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota has been named the Pac-12 offensive player of the week, along with defensive player of the week Rashaad Reynolds of Oregon State and special teams player of the week Andy Phillips of Utah.

Two games into the 2013 season, the Oregon Ducks have been as advertised. Disposing of lesser opponents with relative ease and nabbing their 16th consecutive road win, the No. 2 Ducks return home to face 2-0 Tennessee on Saturday.